Sycamore Row

Jake refuses the Rush and Westerfield firm’s request to withdraw his probate claim, but all parties agree to meet with Judge Reuben Atlee and let him decide how to address the situation. During lunch with Lucien, Jake asks whether Lucien thinks he should request a jury trial. A jury will consist of mostly white citizens, and both men know race is always relevant in Mississippi. Lucien wants to think about it before offering any advice.

Stillman Rush, of the Rush and Westerfield firm, informs Ramona and Ian of the latest will, but assures them it won’t hold up. Lettie visits Jake at his office, where he informs her of the will’s specifics and tells her what to expect going forward. Later, Jake dodges questions from a local journalist, Dumas Lee, about the case. Lucien visits the office to brush up on probate law. He’s now eligible to apply for reinstatement to the bar, an outcome Jake fears as it complicates the power dynamics and interpersonal relationships in his firm.

Judge Atlee holds a meeting to decide how to resolve the conflict between Seth’s two wills and the various interested parties. Eleven lawyers are present: Jake, three lawyers from the Rush and Westerfield firm, two lawyers representing Lettie, two representing Ramona and Ian, another for their children, one representing Herschel, and one for his children.